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Apple Will Let EU Apps Use an Alternative Tracking Consent Screen in iOS 27.2

Regulators required the change to address concerns that Apple’s App Tracking Transparency framework disadvantaged third‑party apps and to enforce binding remedies through oversight.

Overview

  • Apple disclosed this week that starting in iOS and iPadOS 27.2 EU developers can present an alternative App Tracking Transparency (ATT) system prompt instead of the current pop‑up.
  • The alternative prompt is a full‑page screen with revised wording, replaces “Ask App Not to Track” with a straight “Allow” or “Reject” choice, removes the word “track” in places, and lets developers add an “Additional Information” link that explains why the permission is requested.
  • Developers will be allowed to re‑prompt users for ATT permission one year after a prior choice regardless of whether the user previously accepted or rejected tracking.
  • The alternative prompt will be mandatory for apps distributed in Germany, France, Italy, Poland, and Romania and the regulatory settlement includes a four‑month implementation window and seven years of independent monitoring.
  • Regulators say the changes respond to findings that ATT gave Apple’s own apps an advantage because Apple’s services could use ecosystem data without the same consent screens, a difference that depressed opt‑in rates and hurt ad‑supported developers; separate private claims such as a UK collective action remain active.